Cotopaxi is one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, rising to 19,347 ft / 5,897 m in Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. Its near-perfect conical shape and expansive glaciated slopes create a striking alpine objective that blends accessibility with serious high-altitude demands. Climbers ascend snow and ice terrain at moderate angles while navigating crevasse zones and variable equatorial weather conditions. Although considered non-technical by advanced alpine standards, Cotopaxi’s altitude, glacier travel, and early-morning summit push require strong cardiovascular fitness, efficient pacing, and comfort moving in crampons on sustained snow slopes. This itinerary is designed to support safe acclimatization, efficient glacier travel, and strategic summit timing while respecting the realities of high-altitude mountaineering.

Ash to Altitude is leading a private expedition on Cotopaxi. This is a closed, invitation-only ascent, and no additional applications are being accepted.